Question

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which of the following statements are inconsistent with dalton’s atomic theory as it was originally stated?

part a

which of the following statements are inconsistent with dalton’s atomic theory as it was originally stated?
check all that apply.

□ all carbon atoms are identical.
□ two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form a carbon dioxide molecule.
□ the formation of a compound often involves the destruction of one or more atoms.
□ a phosphorus atom combines with 2.5 hydrogen atoms to form a phosphine molecule.

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you have identified at least one consistent statement; however, the question asks for the inconsistent statements. one of the postulates of dalton’s atomic theory states that compounds are formed from atoms combining in simple, whole - number ratios.

Explanation:

1. Recall Dalton's Atomic Theory postulates: Atoms are indestructible in chemical processes, and compounds form from atoms in simple whole - number ratios.
2. Analyze each statement:

• "All carbon atoms are identical": Consistent (postulate: atoms of the same element are identical).
• "Two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form a carbon dioxide molecule": Consistent (whole - number ratio 1:2 for C:O).
• "The formation of a compound often involves the destruction of one or more atoms": Inconsistent (atoms are indestructible in chemical reactions).
• "A phosphorus atom combines with 2.5 hydrogen atoms to form a phosphine molecule": Inconsistent (ratios must be whole numbers, 2.5 is not a whole number).

Answer:

• The formation of a compound often involves the destruction of one or more atoms.
• A phosphorus atom combines with 2.5 hydrogen atoms to form a phosphine molecule.